The Saluki is believed to be the oldest pure dog breed in existence. Images that appear to show Saluki-type dogs appear in Egyptian tombs dating back to 2100 BCE, and the breed is mentioned in texts from ancient Mesopotamia. For the Bedouin people of the Middle East, the Saluki was the only dog allowed to share a tent with the family — considered clean, unlike other dogs, and referred to as el hor, the noble. A Saluki portrait is the continuation of a visual tradition that began in the ancient world, and the breed's lean, elegant form, its long silky feathered ears and its expression of composed, otherworldly calm are as painterly today as they were in Egyptian art four thousand years ago.
Coat colours and how they render
Salukis come in smooth and feathered varieties. The feathered variety — with silky feathering on the ears, legs and tail — is the more commonly depicted portrait subject. Colours include white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle, tricolour and black and tan.
Cream and golden Salukis produce watercolour and oil painting results of extraordinary delicacy. The long lean body with its feathered ears and tail, in warm cream or gold, has a quality of ancient elegance that formal portrait styles capture particularly well.
Grizzle Salukis — the warm grey-fawn with darker overlay — suit impressionist and oil painting styles. The mixed tones of the grizzle coat give the style's loose brushwork subtle colour variation to suggest.
Black and tan Salukis produce the most formally dramatic results in oil painting and renaissance — the dark coat and the warm tan markings creating a structured two-tone portrait.
Recommended styles for Salukis
Watercolour — the most delicate and atmospheric choice for cream and pale Salukis. Oil Painting — handles all colours with depth and suits the breed's ancient dignity. Renaissance — the ancient aristocratic heritage of the breed makes the formal tradition an obvious fit. Ancient Egyptian Portrait — a breed depicted in Egyptian tombs four thousand years ago suits this style with historical authenticity. Ink Wash Portrait — the lean, elegant form of the Saluki suits the clean lines of the ink wash tradition.
Photo tips
The lean, elegant body structure is as important as the face in a Saluki portrait. A photo that includes the full body — showing the depth of the chest, the tucked-up waist and the long legs — captures what makes the breed visually distinctive. The feathered ears and the feathering on the legs should be visible and clearly defined. The Saluki's expression of calm, slightly remote composure is best captured when the dog is settled and still — this breed tends to be naturally dignified in its resting state.